How To Create A Simple& Cheap Raised Garden Beds
Creating a raised garden bed is an excellent way to start gardening, especially if you have limited space or poor soil quality. While you can purchase pre-made raised garden beds, they can be expensive. In this article, we will show you how to create a simple and cheap raised garden bed that is perfect for beginners.
Materials You Will Need
Before we get started, here are the materials you will need to create your raised garden bed:
. Four 2x6x8 pieces of lumber
. Four wooden stakes
. Wood screws
. Cardboard or newspaper
. Soil
. Plants or seeds
Step 1: Choose a Location and Size
The first step in creating your raised garden bed is to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight and has good drainage. The size of your raised garden bed will depend on the available space and your gardening goals. A good starting size is 4 feet by 8 feet, which will allow for easy access and provide plenty of growing space.
Step 2: Cut the Lumber
Using a saw, cut your four 2x6x8 pieces of lumber to the desired length. For a 4-foot by 8-foot garden bed, you will need two 8-foot boards and two 4-foot boards.
Step 3: Create the Frame
Lay out the boards in a rectangle shape, with the 8-foot boards on the outside and the 4-foot boards on the inside. Screw the boards together at the corners to create a sturdy frame.
Step 4: Add Stakes
To keep the garden bed from shifting or bowing outwards, add wooden stakes at each corner. Secure the stakes to the boards using wood screws.
Step 5: Add Cardboard or Newspaper
Lay down cardboard or several layers of newspaper at the bottom of the garden bed. This will help suppress weeds and create a barrier between the soil and any grass or weeds that may be growing underneath.
Step 6: Add Soil
Fill the garden bed with soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top to prevent soil from spilling over. You can purchase soil from your local garden center or make your own by mixing equal parts of compost, topsoil, and perlite.
Step 7: Plant Your Garden
Once the soil is in place, it's time to start planting! Choose plants or seeds that are appropriate for the season and the amount of sunlight your garden bed receives. Be sure to follow spacing guidelines and plant your crops at the appropriate depth.
Creating a simple and cheap raised garden bed is an easy and affordable way to start gardening. By following these steps, you can create a sturdy and productive garden bed that will provide you with fresh produce all season long. With a little time and effort, you can transform any space into a beautiful and thriving garden.